Faculty Farewells

Farewell to Nicholas Vargas

Dr. Nicholas Vargas is departing the Center for the Department of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB). Dr. Vargas has been affiliated with the Center since he began working at the University of Florida in 2015. In 2019, he became a Center-based faculty member. During his eight years with the Center, Dr. Vargas has served as the specialization coordinator for Latinx Studies, Migration & Transnational Studies.

Not only an effective instructor and mentor, Dr. Vargas’s impact on many of his students came in the form of personal reflection on their own immigrant and/or Latinx experience in the United States. He has served as the chair of numerous MALAS thesis committees, offering guidance and support to students throughout their academic journeys.

Dr. Nicholas Vargas

From student and advisee Sofi-Nicole Barreiro:

Latinx Studies courses with Dr. Vargas have influenced mine and countless other students’ lives at UF. Dr. Vargas, I simply cannot imagine my life today without the knowledge that you helped co-create in your classrooms, meeting spaces, and beyond. Thank you for being such an empowering professor, mentor, and advisor— you will be very missed!

Best wishes, Dr. Vargas, for your next chapter and exciting new opportunities in California! ◆

Farewell to Christopher Busey

Dr. Christopher Busey is departing the Center to serve as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact for the United Soccer League. Dr. Busey has been affiliated with the Center since he began working at the University of Florida in 2017. In 2021, he became a Centerbased faculty member and co-coordinator of the Education in the Americas specialization.

Dr. Busey’s impact at the Center brought focus on education in the African diaspora across the Americas, in particular by understanding education as a political act. Committed to supporting student intellectual thought and academic experience alike, Dr. Busey has been embraced by students as both professor and mentor.

Dr. Christopher Busey

From student and advisee Juan Carlos Moreno Perea:

Have you ever had a professor who is committed and passionate about the courses he teaches? Or a professor that demands excellence and patiently guides you to reach your goals? Or a professor who cares about you not only as a student but also as a human being? A professor who is extremely knowledgeable and makes you feel indispensable in the classroom? That professor is Dr. Busey. He made a remarkable impact on his students both academically and personally.

Best wishes, Dr. Busey, for your next chapter and the positive impact you’ll continue to have! ◆